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The Potter-Tioga Maple weekend is celebrating their 21st year of hosting the art of maple syrup creation. There are 17 participating farms and educational experiences throughout the two counties on March 15 and 16 from 10 AM - 4 PM. Photo by Andy Lychalk, Jr.
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Jeanne Lousie DeRemer, 78, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at the Bradford Manor, where she had resided since 2016.
Born in Fort Wayne, IN on December 14, 1945, the daughter of Floyd and Marie Ernst of Columbia City, IN
She graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1964. She then attended Fort Wayne International Business College, where she received an accounting degree.
Jeanne worked for several area businesses, including International Harvester and Precision Plastics, from which she retired in 2013.
Diane M. Zeher, 79, of 8 Valleybrook Drive, Bradford, PA passed away Monday, January 8, 2024, surrounded by her family at her residence.
Born on March 8, 1944, in Bradford, she was a daughter of the late Louis H. and Josephine F. (Cardamone) Pantuso. She was a 1963 graduate from Bradford Area High School.
On August 26, 1972, at Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church, she married William G. Zeher Jr., who survives.
Diane began working at Producers Bank after graduation. She also worked part-time at the Super Duper and at Tops Markets in the business office. She later assisted her husband at the Zeher Hearing Aid Center before working at Northwest Savings Bank until her retirement in 2016, after 28 years.
William J. “Bill” “Bear” McMahon, 65, of Sunderlinville, PA, passed away on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. Bill was a member of the Catholic faith.
Born May 13, 1958 in San Diego, CA, he was a son of the late William E. and Joyce McMahon. Bill was a 1976 Graduate of Kearney High School in San Diego.
He became an accomplished welder and worked in the Navel yards in California. Bill was a football fan and was a fan of the San Diego Chargers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
He loved his big recliner, his extra large tv and his “Micky” beer. Bill had a larger-than-life personality and infectious laugh that will be missed.
James McLaughlin, 84, of Marshburg, PA passed away, Monday, December 25, 2023, at his residence.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, Inc. 33 South Ave., followed by funeral services at 8:00 PM with Fr. John Jacquel, officiating.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.
Timothy L. McGuire, 72, of 121 Rutherford Run, Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, at The Pavilion at BRMC.
Born August 20, 1951, in Bradford, he was a son of the late James R. and Agnes J. (Ralston) McGuire. He was a 1969 graduate of Bradford High School.
On February 1, 1971, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Company C 1ST Battalion of the 508th Infantry. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Parachute Badge, Sharpshooter in the M-16, Expert M-60, M-79 and the 45 CAL. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1973.
On May 19, 1984, in Bradford, he married Cindy (Himes) McGuire who survives.
Tim had been employed at Dresser Manufacturing for over 40 years, retiring in 2013.
He enjoyed his children, grandchildren, golf, bowling, softball, and life in general.
He was a member of the Pine Acres Country Club, Dresser Softball League, Sherman Refrigeration Men’s Softball Team. He coached Bradford Little League Baseball at Mt. Alton and Custer City and was a Past President of McKean Little League. Tim served as secretary for the Friday Night Bowling League and also the Monday Night League. He also organized sports pools that benefited local children’s organizations.
Dean S. Stewart, 83, formerly of 61 Linwood Ave., Bradford, PA passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Born April 25, 1940, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Francis L. and Lillian (Carrow) Stewart. He was a 1959 graduate of Bradford High School.
In August of 1966 he enlisted in the United States Army. He served in Korea during the War and was honorably discharged on September 30, 1968.
On November 6, 1966, in Bradford, he married Rose V. (Pessia) Stewart who survives..
Dean had been employed at numerous companies, including Century Home Center, Graham Florist, and he retired as a bus driver for the ATA. Dean enjoyed restoring old cars and spending time with his family.
Jerry L. JAMES, 67, of Belmont, NY, died on Friday, January 5, 2024 in Jones Memorial Hospital, Wellsville.
He was born on January 26, 1956 to Millicent (Hale) and Leland James. In his younger years, he attended several schools in Allegany County. His father died when he was eight years old. With his mother unable to care for all of the children, he and his siblings were placed in foster care.
Prior to moving to Belmont, he lived at West Seneca Developmental Center. He eventually came to Belmont to live in a family care home and lastly at his group home on Corbin Hill (31A). He was happy at his home. He attended Day Hab on days when able. Jerry loved Elvis and was able to visit Graceland, Michael Jackson, watching M*A*S*H*, dinosaurs, and going for rides in the car.
He was friendly to everyone he met. He would hold out his hand and say, “Hi, I’m Jerry, Jerry James.” He saw very few of his family, who are spread far and wide in several states. His caregivers and housemates at ARC were his family. They were good to him and took good care of him, which was challenging at times. He will be missed. He was one of fifteen children.
Patricia A. Selle, 90, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of Bucktail Road, St. Marys, PA passed away Friday, January 5, 2024 at Pinecrest Manor.
She was born January 3, 1934, in St. Marys, daughter of the late William and Marcella Bille Dippold. She was a lifelong resident of St. Marys, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, and a former employee of Airco Speer.
On April 25, 1959, in the Queen of the World Church, she married the late, Glenn G. Selle, who preceded her in death on March 29, 2006.
Samuel A. Smith, 93, of Emporium, PA passed away at Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys, PA on Saturday morning (January 6, 2024) following a lengthy illness.
He was born August 7, 1930 in Ridgway, PA a son of the late Arthur R. and Nora Burfield Smith. On September 26, 1953 in Morrisdale, PA he married Geraldine “Gerry” Schneider. Together they shared over 70 years of marriage.
Sam was raised by his great aunt Rose Burfield in Karthaus PA. He graduated from Cooper Township High School and shortly after joined the US Army in 1951 where he served in Korea with the 10th Corp. artillery earning the rank of corporal before he was discharged in the fall of 1952.
He and Gerry moved to Emporium where he began working at Sylvania. He served as a past member of the Emporium Fire Department, Emporium Fire Police, served as a past president and life member of 120 CB club, worked with the Cameron County Ambulance Service as an EMT, was a life member of VFW post 6221, and a member of the Emporium Senior Center.
Sam worked for PA Pressed Metals in the shipping department for eleven years before moving to Orange, Virginia in 1978 to work for a Texaco distributor for 17 years until 1995 when he retired. He was the last serving member of his family.
Rick L. LAAHS, 65, of Franklinville, NY, died Thursday, January 4, 2024 in Olean General Hospital.
Born March 27, 1958, in Klamath Falls, OR, he was the son of Edward Clarence and Dorothy Mae Thorton Laahs. On March 16, 1993, in Lake Tahoe, NV, he married the former Wendy L. Allen, who predeceased him on November 28, 2023.
Rick was employed as a painter and drywaller for 40 years. He worked for Dineen Painting in Ellicottville, Aftermath, and The Woods at Bear Creek in Franklinville.
Rick’s career choice mirrored his character, exuding warmth and joy through hard work and trial, and never without laughter. Beyond supporting his family, he brightened numerous lives, infusing spaces and hearts with color, leaving a legacy of unwavering dedication, love and loyalty.
Gerald M. (Jerry) Griggs, 86, of Port Allegany, PA passed away Wednesday (January 3, 2024) at Sena Kean Manor, Smethport.
He was born May 17, 1937 in Williamsport, the son of Michael and Louise (Hoover) Griggs. On September 30, 1963 in Port Allegany, he married Lena Minich, who died on July 2, 2008
Mr. Griggs employed by Case Cutlery in Olean NY for many years.
Eldred – Rita A. Kaylor, 85, of Route 446, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Olean General Hospital.
Born on February 19, 1938, in Austin, PA, she was the daughter of George and Alvina Kornacki Lininger. In 1963, she married Theodore Elliott, who predeceased her in 1994. In 2002, she married Tim Kaylor, who survives.
Rita had been employed as a head cashier by Hills Department store in Olean for twelve years.
Rita enjoyed gardening, especially growing strawberries and a variety of flowers, but mostly spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
Jason Eric McCallum, born July 24 1976, passed away on January 1st, 2024 in the comfort of his own home in Addison, New York.
Son of Kathy and Carlton (Butch) Davis and John and Cora McCallum, Jason spent 47 years (569 months) by the side of his family and friends. He always selflessly helped anyone and everyone he could.
Jason enjoyed creating joyous memories through laughing, making jokes, listening to music, and hosting bonfires and parties. He enjoyed spending his free-time grilling and smoking various meats to enjoy with his family on his Traeger grill while sipping an ice cold Budweiser, as well as collecting coins, and old war memorabilia.
He cared for and found a lifelong companionship in his “mans best friend” June. Only adding to the pack and his love with his 3 other dogs. Above all else Jason loved spending time with “his girls”, his wife Charlotte, daughters Abagail and Emily, and granddaughter Isabella.
Mark J. Viola, 65, of 181 Summer Street, Bradford, PA passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the Bradford Regional Medical Center.
Born January 28, 1958, in Bradford, he was the son of the late Henry M. and Marie Stella (Crupi) Viola.
He was a 1976 graduate of Bradford Central Christian High School.
On July 28, 1990, in First United Methodist Church he married Stephanie (Cornelius) Viola who survives.
Mark was a member of St. Bernard Church and the Italian Club.
Vi was employed by Coca Cola, later he worked for Dom Piganelli, at Always Green Landscaping. In 1992 he acquired the family business from his Uncle Joe Viola, Viola’s Restaurant on Brennan Street in the 5th Ward, a family business operated by the Viola family for three generations. Mark retired in June 2022, after owning the Restaurant for nearly 30 years.
Susan J. Ward, 63, of Wellsville New York, and a former Cuba resident, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2023 at Wellsville Manor Care Center.
Born on October 4, 1960, in Cuba, she was a daughter of Richard and Marilyn Wells Abramowicz.
Sue was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1978. She worked as a bartender and in customer service all of her life. She loved people and her greatest accomplishment was to be a good friend.
She will be remembered for always being helpful and living by the slogan “Life is what you make it.” She enjoyed watching NASCAR and the times she attended in person at Watkins Glen.
Mildred G. “Millie” Olmstead, 99, of Elk Haven Nursing Home, St. Marys and formerly of Fairview Avenue, Johnsonburg, PA passed away early Thursday morning, January 4, 2024 at Penn Highlands-Elk following a brief illness.
She was born on November 24, 1924 in Butler, PA a daughter to the late Francis and Irene Burns Angert. On June 10, 1944 in Butler, she married Maurice A. Olmstead. He preceded her in death on July 16, 2017.
Raised in Butler, Millie was a graduate of Butler High School and she and Maurice lived in Butler after their marriage until 1951. After moving to Johnsonburg and working other jobs, alongside her husband, they opened Olmstead’s Hardware and Olmstead’s Plumbing and Heating and operated it out of the storefront on Market Street until their retirement in 1996.
HEBRON CENTER, PA—James Frederick VanHorn passed away surrounded by his family in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, on Thursday, January 4, 2024.
James was born on Sunday, September 17, 1950, a son of Raymond Arthur and Grace Evelyn Burrows VanHorn. On July 20, 1974 in Keating Summit, he married Starlette Haight, who survives.
Jim was employed at Pittsburgh Corning in Port Allegany for close to 40 years. He owned and operated his own garage and towing company, J & S Auto in Sweden Valley, for years where he enjoyed meeting and talking with people.
Jim was known for his good humor, tinkering in his garage with anything mechanical. He shared his love of outdoors and horses with his wife of nearly 50 years. He also loved visiting with family and his grandchildren.
Thomas E. Hayden, 73, of Emporium, PA passed away at Penn Highlands DuBois, DuBois, PA on Tuesday morning (January 2, 2024). He was born December 5, 1950 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Edward L. and Marie Shores Hayden.
Tom graduated from Cameron County High School in the class of 1968. He retired from Pro America Premium Tools, where he served as the Emporium plant manager for many years.
Tom loved baseball (playing, coaching, umpiring, and watching), and he golfed as much as he possibly could. He was known for his humor, generosity, kindness, musical ability, dedication and mentorship to the athletes of Cameron County, story-telling, and his love for all things Emporium and Cameron County, Tom will be greatly missed. We are comforted that his faith was strong and that he has, indeed, gone Home.
William R. Pichler, age 83, of 221 Fairview Road, Kersey, PA passed away at home on January 3, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.
Bill was born on October 8, 1940, at the family homestead in Kersey, son of the late Albert and Mary Anzinger Pichler, Sr. Bill was a lifelong resident of Kersey and a member of the last graduating class of Kersey High School, Class of 1959.
He was married on April 16, 1966, in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church to his wife Ellen Forster, who survives. They were blessed to share 57 years of marriage.
Cathey Louise Beldin, passed away peacefully in December of 2023, in Darlington, PA. She was born in August of 1953, in Punxsutawney, PA to the late Delores and John Fuller.
A proud native of Punxsutawney, Cathey spent her life in Emporium, PA, where she became an integral part of the community. She was a union officer during the majority of her employment at GE Motor Coils. She retired from GE Emporium after decades of dedicated service, leaving behind a commendable professional legacy.
Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather
Robert C. Pettit, 86, formerly of 9367 Watts Road, Cuba, NY passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Cuba Memorial Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit after a lengthy illness.
Born on July 25, 1937, in Olean, he was a son of Donald and Doris Keller Pettit. On February 11, 1957, in High Point, North Carolina he married the former Mona Walden and together they shared 66 years of marriage until her passing on October 20, 2023.
Bob was a graduate of Rushford Central Schools Class of 1955, where he was a star soccer and basketball player.
